2008 Arbor Day essay contest winners selected

April 25, 2008

Anna Marie Gustafson of Bryant, Brittany Quinn of Timber Lake, and Jordanne Howe of Redfield are the winning essayists selected from the 1,806 entries in the 2008 Arbor Day Essay Contest. Sponsored by South Dakota's conservation districts, McDonald's Restaurants of South Dakota, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Keep South Dakota Green Association, the contest provides fifth and six grade students the opportunity to write about the importance of Arbor Day and tree planting in South Dakota. For their efforts, the students win awards and cash prizes in addition to learning more about trees. As first place winner, Gustafson receives a plaque, $100 in cash, and a McDonald's lined jacket. Her school, DeSmet Middle School, will receive $150 for the purchase of supplies or equipment. Quinn, the second place winner, receives a plaque and $75 cash while Howe receives a plaque and $50 for her third place essay. Gustafson, Quinn, and Howe will read their essays and receive their prizes during special Arbor Day celebrations in their hometowns. All students who entered the contest will receive a McDonald's dessert certificate and a packet of tree seeds. South Dakota celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday in April; in 2008, this would be April 25. Nebraska newspaper publisher J. Sterling Morton proposed the very first Arbor Day in 1872. On that first Arbor Day, over one million trees were planted in Nebraska. The Essay Contest has been held in South Dakota for 31 years. 2008 Arbor Day Essay Contest State Winners First Place - Anne Marie Gustafson of Kingsbury County Conservation District What is Arbor Day? “Bird,” Squirrel said, “what is Arbor Day?” “Well, Squirrel, Arbor Day is the most important holiday of the year for us,” Bird said. Squirrel gazed at the open land. He was confused, though. Why were there so many people digging up the land where he lived? “Now, Squirrel,” Bird said, “you have to understand that these people are our friends. They are here to help us, and not only us but our environment. They are here to plant trees for us to live in.” “But why here? Why can't they put the trees somewhere else?” Squirrel questioned. “Squirrel,” Bird said, “look at the land. What do you see?” “Well, nothing,” Squirrel answered. “Exactly!” Bird exclaimed. “These trees will give us better homes and more food!” “More food. You mean more nuts, right?” Squirrel asked with excitement. “Yes, Squirrel, more nuts,” Bird said. “But are you getting what I'm saying?” Bird asked. “Well sort of,” Squirrel answered. “These trees will be great, won't they?” Bird asked. “They're okay, but I like the home I live in now,” Squirrel answered with questioning in his eyes. “But look at your home. Don't you think it's a little small?” Bird asked. “It is kind of small, but I like it,” Squirrel said. “Hey, but this way you get more storage for nuts,” Bird said. “Yes, and I think I'm starting to like this Arbor Day,” Squirrel exclaimed. A few years later when the trees were big and tall, Squirrel found a new home. “So Squirrel, do you like your new home?” “Well, yes, I love my new home, and I love Arbor Day.” Second Place Brittany Ida Quinn of Dewey County Conservation District Sensing the Trees Trees are a beautiful part of our South Dakota ecosystem. Let the vivid beauty of the trees entice your senses with an array of sights, a choir of many sounds and sweet aromas of this magnificent plant. The sights of the trees are an arrangement of radiant colors and images such as the diverse transformation of trees, following the seasons, from snow-covered bare limbs to jade green leaves, glowing and glimmering in the sunlight. Then, there are the cattle huddled securely in the refuge of the shelterbelt of trees. See the vast wonderland of shining green leaves and pink and white apple blossoms in an orchard. What entertaining sights for the eye! Trees provide soothing sounds to tickle the ear and relax the mind. Whispers of rustling leaves and singing birds, nested in the branches, fill the air. Whistling wind in the leaves sing a tune to the heart. Listen to what the trees have to say. Sweet aromas of trees float through the air, surrounding you. Inhale the fresh, clean air which the trees provide. Let the crisp scent of new leaves and blossoms surround and comfort you. Float away on the intoxicating perfume of the trees. South Dakota has many precious trees planted throughout the rolling hills, pastures, and towns of our state. They provide magnificent scenery and substantial use. So, the next time you stroll through town or explore the woods on your property, experience the trees and appreciate them. Third Place Jordanne Howe of Spink County Conservation District Trees All Over! Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The April wind is blowing the trees like you've never seen before. Arbor Day is really important in South Dakota and we celebrate it every year. It is important to plant and care for trees. They give us protection for farmsteads and prevent soil erosion. Erosion